The Rockford School District is digging deep into its history for the second annual Champions Ball and Hall of Fame inductions at Radisson on Saturday.

The event started last year with six inductees, including the 1974 East football team and the 1955-1956 West boys basketball teams.

This year, the district will honor the 1939 boys basketball team from the original Rockford High School. Behind local coaching legend James Laude, the team won the IHSA state championship that year when it was still only a one-class system. The only other Rockford teams to win state titles since then were the 1955 and 1956 West teams.

Accepting on the team's behalf will be the last living member: Rockford resident Keith Mulford. Also on Saturday, Laude will be inducted in the coaches category. Laude started the boys basketball program at East when the schools split into East and West in 1940. Current East coach Roy Sackmaster will present the award to members of Laude's last team.

Ernie Kent, the all-state basketball player from West who went on to have a successful coaching career with the University of Oregon, will serve as guest speaker. Kent and former East track and field standout Donna Cargill will be inducted as individual athletes, joining last year's inaugural inductees, Jerry Latin and Lisa Coole.

The evening will also include a tribute to Brad "Muzzy" Muzzarelli, who will be inducted into the Community Service category. Muzzy served as East's boys basketball and football manager for 38 years before dying of cancer in 2009. Genelle Samuelson received this award last year.

"We have an incredible lineup of inductees and presenters this year, so it should be avery memorable evening," said Mat Parker, the director of athletic activities and program development for Rockford Public Schools. "The Champions Ball sold out and was a huge success in its first year. It's great to see the community get behind Rockford Public Schools athletics by supporting events like this and celebrating our rich history in athletics."

Hosted by WZOK's Steve Shannon, the event includes, dinner, a silent auction, and music from the Guilford Jazz Band. All proceeds go to the Rockford Sports Coalition and RPS athletics.

Tickets are $75 per person or $525 for a table of eight and can be ordered online at rockfordsportscoalition.org, or by emailing emily.tropp@rps205.com.